The Broken Watches
THE BROKEN WATCHES
Read Isaiah 46:3-4, 8-10.
Justin ran into the house and slammed the front door. “Mom!” he called. “Dad said Grandpa is coming to visit again.”
“Yes,” replied Mom. “Dad is going to get Grandpa on Saturday morning.” She sighed as she poked around in her jewelry box. “My watch is broken, and I was hoping one of my old ones would still work. Look, Justin.” She held up a small, gold wristwatch. “This is my high school graduation present from Grandpa and Grandma. This one with the leather strap was my official nurse’s watch. And the one I wear now—Dad bought this for me before we were married, but now it won’t run either.”
Justin nodded, then asked, “Why does Grandpa have to come? He spills things and talks funny.”
“I thought you loved Grandpa,” Mom said quietly.
“I do,” Justin said, “or I did before he had that stroke. He used to do stuff with me. Now he just sits around and . . . gets in the way.”
Mom pointed to the watches. “These watches won’t run, but they bring back memories of happy times,” she said. “I don’t want to throw them out even though they don’t have feelings the way people do.” Justin looked at the floor. He knew she meant Grandpa. “I have many happy memories of growing up with Grandpa and Grandma,” added Justin’s mother. “Grandma is in heaven now, and Grandpa is old. But I don’t want to throw him out. I love him too much.”
Justin hugged his mother. “I’m sorry, Mom. I don’t want to throw him out either.”
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you value old people? Never “throw them away” just because they can’t do all the things they once could. Use every opportunity to show them that you do love and appreciate them.
TO MEMORIZE:
Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.
Proverbs 16:31
RESPECT OLDER PEOPLE.
From the book
